Worrying signs are emerging about aspects of Australia’s health system, which will require the attention of whoever wins the May election.

In a comprehensive analysis of Australia’s healthcare system ahead of the upcoming May elections, it has become apparent that, despite substantial financial allocations for Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the major political parties are largely glossing over critical reform priorities. As Australia's healthcare system works well comparatively globally, improvements are necessary, given that Medicare is over 40 years old and demands an update to maintain its universality. Approximately one in ten Australians currently delay visiting a doctor due to costs, revealing significant gaps in access to essential health services. While the Labor Party has introduced significant measures aimed at bolstering bulk billing rates and capping PBS prescription prices, the coalition has promised to match these initiatives, raising questions about actual long-term systemic reform. One critical oversight in both parties' proposals is their failure to address access to medical specialists, leaving many patients who require specialized care without necessary support. As chronic diseases proliferate among the populace, healthcare coordination remains another significant issue, as not all patients have a singular healthcare provider overseeing their care. This is compounded by a massive shortage of healthcare professionals—a legacy of past administrations that abolished dedicated planning agencies for health workforce training. Furthermore, the introduction of temporary financial solutions rather than long-term strategies only magnifies the risk of continued inequities in care access, especially for marginalized populations and those needing dental and mental health services. The near-future reforms must extend beyond financial investments to cultivate a healthcare system responsive to evolving needs, ensuring that the next health minister prioritizes systemic transformations towards sustainability.